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Screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in blood donors
Fatemeh Emamghorashi1, Farhang Hoshmand, Abdolrahman Mohtashamifar
1Shiraz Nephrology Urology Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran. ghoraishy@yahoo.com
Insights
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was evaluated in 706 Iranian blood donors. The prevalence varied significantly over time, highlighting the need for routine screening in high-risk areas.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited red blood cell disorder.
- Prevalence varies geographically, necessitating local epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency among blood donors in Jahrom, Iran.
- To assess the impact of storage time on G6PD enzyme activity measurements.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative enzyme assays were performed on 706 blood donor samples.
- Enzyme activity was measured on days 1, 7, and 45 post-collection.
- G6PD deficiency was defined as enzyme activity below 1.62 IU/g hemoglobin.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 16.3% on day 1, increasing to 19.1% on day 7 and 33.3% on day 45.
- The proportion of donors with zero enzyme activity rose from 4% to 10.7% over the study period.
- The study population comprised 97.7% males and 2.3% females, with a mean age of 32.6 years.
Conclusions:
- G6PD deficiency exhibits a high prevalence in the studied blood donor population.
- Enzyme activity decreases significantly during storage, affecting prevalence estimates.
- Routine screening for G6PD deficiency in blood donors is recommended for areas with high prevalence.
Aim:
Our purpose was to determine the frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in blood donors of Jahrom, Iran.
Methods:
Blood samples were obtained from the 706 blood donors who referred to Jahrom Blood Transfusion Organization between June and September 2008. Enzyme assays were performed three times, on day 1 (day of blood sampling), 7 and 45 days after blood storage. G6PD activity was measured using a quantitative assay.
Results:
A total of 706 samples were examined. 97.7% males and 2.3% females, mean age 32.6 years (18-64 years). Based on enzyme activity less than 1.62 IU/g hemoglobin (Hb), prevalence of G6PD deficiency in three separate measurements was 16.3, 19.1 and 33.3% respectively. Four percent of donor had an enzyme level of zero on day 1 which increased to 7.4 and 10.7% on the seventh and the forty-fifth days.
Conclusion:
The results of this study support the screening for G6PD as part of the routine workup of blood donors in areas with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency.
